Liverpool have been dealt a transfer blow with reports that one of their midfield targets has agreed to join Bayern Munich instead of moving to Anfield.
The Reds have been linked with RB Leipzig star Konrad Laimer for many months, including in the summer transfer window.
The Austria international was 'open' to a move to Liverpool, as of November, according to 90min. It was also claimed that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was keen to bring him to Anfield.
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Liverpool are in need of reinforcements in midfield, given a number of injuries in that department to Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo, amongst others.
Some fans believe the club are yet to replace the box-to-box abilities of Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined PSG in the summer of 2021.
The midfielder, who can also play at right-back, told Servus TV (via BuliNews) that missing out on a move to Bayern Munich last summer was 'difficult' - but it appears that the German giants are now his next destination.
Konrad Laimer set to join Bayern Munich?
Prominent transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Laimer has a 'verbal agreement' to join Bayern next summer when his Leipzig deal expires.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano added that the 25-year-old was of interest to Liverpool in the summer, but they were forced to look elsewhere due to not having enough time to complete a deal.
He explained: "Liverpool, they have left the race for Konrad Laimer, the midfielder of RB Leipzig.
"He was on the list last summer before signing Arthur Melo, but there was no time to complete the agreement with RB Leipzig, they decided to keep the player.
"With Konrad Laimer, nothing will happen with Liverpool or English clubs in general, because there is an agreement ready with Bayern.
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"Konrad Laimer, 99% waiting to sign the contracts, will be a new Bayern player in 2023. There is a verbal agreement ready. Laimer wants Bayern. Nagelsmann wants Laimer."
Liverpool have, however, agreed a pre-contract agreement with Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez, according to reports from Portuguese outlet Record.
With the Laimer deal seemingly now impossible, it may be the Reds turn their attentions towards Fernandez to improve their midfield, as links to Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham remain strong.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, Transfers, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Fabrizio Romano